Co-Presented by Screen NSW
Sydney Film Festival (4–15 June 2025) will host an unmissable, one-night-only world exclusive event featuring two titans of storytelling: legendary video game creator Hideo Kojima and Australian cinema icon George Miller, in the lead up to the release of DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH on PlayStation®5.
Taking place at 5pm, Saturday 14 June at Sydney Town Hall’s historic Centennial Hall, this in-depth conversation will explore the creative intersections between film and video games, and the visionary approach each artist brings to their craft.
Hideo Kojima, the acclaimed creator behind the DEATH STRANDING and Metal Gear Solid series, is known for creating video games that are deeply cinematic and blur the lines between film and video games like no other – fitting for someone who’s famously declared that “70% of my body is made of movies.” His latest creation DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH, releasing June 26th, looks to push the boundaries further in cinematic storytelling and interactive art.
Joining Hideo Kojima on stage is George Miller AO, the Oscar-winning director of Mad Max: Fury Road and Happy Feet, and a personal hero and recent collaborator of Hideo Kojima’s. The two will discuss shared creative ground, the evolution of cinematic storytelling in gaming, and the surprising role Miller himself plays in DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH, which sees players traverse Australia in a hauntingly beautiful journey to re-establish human connection.
“This is a rare and exciting meeting of two creative minds who have reshaped their respective industries,” said SFF Festival Director Nashen Moodley. “Kojima and Miller’s shared love of cinema and storytelling will make for an unforgettable conversation at this year’s Festival.”
Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said, “The Sydney Film Festival continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, and this unmissable event is a testament to their bold vision. Screen NSW is thrilled to support this world exclusive in-conversation event with Australian icon Dr George Miller and renowned video game creator Hideo Kojima, which highlights the synergies across the NSW Screen and Digital Games Strategy, the Sydney Film Festival, and the screen and digital games industry. This is an event that will inspire, entertain and connect audiences through the power of imagination.”
Sydney Film Festival runs from 4–15 June 2025. The full program is on sale now.
Tickets for the Hideo Kojima and George Miller event are on sale now at sff.org.au.
DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH releases 26 June on PlayStation®5. Learn more at playstation.com.
ABOUT SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL
The Sydney Film Festival is one of the world’s longest-running and most prestigious film festivals. The 72nd edition, taking place from 4 to 15 June 2025, will showcase the very best in contemporary cinema and offer audiences the chance to experience premieres, red carpet events, and exciting special programs across Sydney.
The Festival is supported by the NSW Government through Screen NSW and Destination NSW, the Federal Government through Screen Australia, and the City of Sydney.
ABOUT HIDEO KOJIMA / KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS:
Hideo Kojima is a world-renowned game creator and auteur known for pushing the boundaries of the video game medium. Widely considered the father of the stealth genre, he is also credited with innovating both story-telling and cinematic presentation in video games at large. On 16th December 2015, Hideo Kojima established his own studio called KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS, under the banner of “From Sapiens to Ludens.” On 8th November 2019, the studio released its first title, DEATH STRANDING, starring Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen and Léa Seydoux, for PlayStation®4; and is now available for PC. Since its release, DEATH STRANDING has received numerous game awards and achieved worldwide acclaim. DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT was released for PlayStation®5 in 2021 and for PC in 2022. In 2020, Hideo Kojima received the BAFTA® Fellowship, the highest accolade bestowed by BAFTA® upon an individual in recognition of exceptional contribution to film, games or television.
©2025 KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS Co., Ltd. /HIDEO KOJIMA. Produced by Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
ABOUT GEORGE MILLER:
George Miller AO was born in Australia. He began his professional life as a doctor and detoured into filmmaking, as a writer, director and producer. His films include the BABE, HAPPY FEET and MAD MAX movies. He is a patron of the Australian Film Institute and of the Sydney Film Festival. He served as President of the Jury for the Palme d’Or at the 69th Cannes Film Festival. His many awards include an Oscar, the Order of Australia and the French Order of Arts and Letters for his services to cinema.
ABOUT DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH
SHOULD WE HAVE CONNECTED?
Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam – with companions by his side – sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected? Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again.
